This Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe is everything a comfort soup should be rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Tender shredded chicken, soft pasta, and vegetables simmer in a creamy broth made with cream cheese, cheddar, and a splash of heavy cream. The result is a cozy, filling soup that tastes like it cooked all day but comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or anytime you need a satisfying bowl of homemade soup.
Ingredients
Soup Base
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tsp |
| Onion | ½ cup, chopped |
| Carrots | 1 cup, diced |
| Celery | ½ cup, diced |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
Chicken & Dairy
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast | 1 lb, shredded or chopped |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Cream cheese | 1 cup, softened |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Mild cheddar cheese | 1½ cups, shredded |
Pasta & Greens
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ditalini pasta | 2 cups, uncooked |
| Spinach | 2 cups, chopped |
Seasoning & Garnish
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kosher salt | ½ tsp, to taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup, optional |
Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe (Cheesy & Comforting)
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe made with tender chicken, pasta, cream cheese, cheddar, and spinach. A rich, comforting soup ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper, to taste
2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta
2 cups chopped spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
2. Add cooked chicken and cook 3 minutes.
3. Add broth, cream cheese, and heavy cream; bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes.
4. Lower heat and add pasta and cheddar; simmer until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in spinach until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken works well.
Add extra broth when reheating.
Small pasta shapes are best for this soup.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly.
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Cover and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the broth is smooth.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the uncooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in the chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking and cook just until wilted.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe is a comforting classic that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with chicken and pasta, it’s the kind of soup that fills you up and warms you from the inside out. Whether served as a main dish or alongside crusty bread, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
How do I thicken the soup?
The cream cheese and cheddar naturally thicken the soup as it simmers.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but the pasta will absorb liquid. Add extra broth when reheating.
Can I substitute another pasta shape?
Any small pasta like shells or elbows works well.